The Howard County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, offers grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Howard County, Iowa. Established to encourage endowment building for the long-term benefit of the community, the Foundation seeks to support various initiatives that foster a vibrant environment where residents can thrive. The grants are designed to address community needs and promote projects that demonstrate broad-based support and sustainability.

The primary purpose of these grants is to improve life in Howard County by funding projects in several key areas, including arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human services. The Foundation aims to develop communities that attract residents to live, work, play, and stay, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the region.

Funding for these grants ranges from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $100,000, with the specific award amounts determined based on the project’s scope and impact. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address significant community needs, demonstrate community support, and show potential for long-term sustainability. Additionally, projects that leverage other funding sources or in-kind contributions are favored, as are those that promote collaboration among local organizations to avoid redundancy in services.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must provide benefits to the residents of Howard County and meet specific criteria. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Tax-exempt organizations classified differently may also apply if their projects are deemed charitable. Applicants must be current with all state and federal reporting requirements and must not have any overdue grant reports from previous awards. Projects that involve inherently religious activities are not eligible for funding.

The application process requires the completion of an online application through the CFNEIA grant site by the specified deadline of October 15, 2024. Organizations that do not meet the eligibility criteria may submit their requests through a fiscal sponsor, which must also be a 501(c)(3) or government entity. The fiscal sponsor will be responsible for the management of any awarded funds.

Evaluation of grant applications will be based on several criteria, including the project's alignment with community needs, the level of community support, and the potential for long-term sustainability. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of collaboration and resource maximization in its funding decisions.

Overall, the Howard County Community Foundation grants represent a significant opportunity for organizations looking to make a positive impact in Howard County. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications in advance of the deadline to ensure a thorough and competitive submission. For more information, potential applicants can visit the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's website.